#weightlossjourney #pitmaster #fitness

Season 3 of The Duce Raymond Podcast kicks off with a powerful and unfiltered conversation with Ethan Suplee — known for his roles in American History X, Remember the Titans, The Wolf of Wall Street, and My Name Is Earl. In this episode, Chef Duce and Ethan go far beyond the typical “before and after” transformation story and dive into what really happens after losing over 300 pounds. Ethan opens up about sobriety coming before weight loss, the mental battle that doesn’t disappear when the weight does, hitting 14% body fat and still feeling incomplete, and the hidden emotional toll of loose skin and identity shifts. 

They unpack the psychology of hedonic hunger, why labeling foods as “good” or “bad” can backfire, how sleep may matter more than the gym, and what sustainable nutrition actually looks like after decades of trial and error. From BBQ breakdowns and meal prep staples to VO2 max, longevity, fiber, cholesterol, and balancing Hollywood with health, this episode blends food, fitness, addiction recovery, and self-worth into one of the most honest conversations of the season. Ethan also shares insights from hosting his podcast American Glutton and writing his upcoming memoir. If you’ve ever chased a number on the scale, battled addiction, struggled with body image, or wondered why transformation doesn’t automatically bring fulfillment, this conversation is for you.

00:00 – Identity, Food & Transformation
1:14 – Beef Ribs, Brisket & Plate Cuts Explained
3:46 – BBQ in New York vs. Florida vs. the Midwest
6:05 – Meal Prep That Actually Works
7:20 – “Weight Loss Is NOT the Finish Line”
10:45 – The Devastating Doctor Visit That Changed Everything
13:20 – The DEXA Scan That Should Have Felt Like Victory… But Didn’t
15:10 – The Hidden Shame That Doesn’t Disappear After Weight Loss
18:02 – Duce’s 11% Body Fat Reality Check
20:42 – Loose Skin After Massive Weight Loss
22:40 – Ethan Pushes Duce on Skin Surgery
24:18 – The Biggest Misconception About Drastic Weight Loss
27:30 – Why You Eat When You’re Not Hungry
30:46 – Sobriety Before Weight Loss
35:54 – From Keto & Crash Diets to Balance
39:48 – Why Sleep Beats Steps & Lifting
41:53 – Cardio, Aging, and Letting Go of Muscle
44:53 – Meal Prep Without Obsession
49:26 – Nuts, Calories & Keto Mistakes
52:35 – The 30g Rule for Heart Health
54:24 – Balancing Acting, Podcasting & Writing a Memoir
58:15 – Brisket, Carbs & Overrated Advice
1:02:18 – From American Glutton to Duce’s Wild Restaurant

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-glutton/id1490933138
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Website: https://www.americanglutton.net/

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#grilling #bbq #podcast 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Maciej Zurawski of Grillin With Dad to talk about what it really takes to turn backyard barbecue into a full-time content business. Maciej breaks down how he and his wife built Grillin With Dad together, why her marketing background was key to scaling the brand, and what it’s like working side-by-side as spouses while running a family-based business from home. They dive into creator growth strategies, including lifestyle content beyond BBQ, landing brand deals like The Farmer’s Dog, getting recognized in real life, and building authentic connections with an audience. Maciej also shares smart business insights on why Grillin With Dad operates two separate websites, how recipe SEO and ad monetization work, the importance of owning your audience through websites and email lists, and why creators need multiple income streams instead of relying solely on social media algorithms. The conversation wraps with food, family, and fire as they talk ribs, backyard cooking, and what’s next for Grillin With Dad—making this a must-watch episode for BBQ fans, food creators, and anyone looking to grow a sustainable digital brand.

00:00 – Backyard BBQ Meets Content Creation
04:04 – From Poland to the Pit
07:05 – From Finance to Full-Time BBQ Creator
09:53 – Social Media Changed BBQ Forever
12:19 – How to Grow as a BBQ Content Creator
14:36 – Shorts vs Long-Form BBQ Content
18:56 – Learning to Edit BBQ Videos From Scratch
20:44 – Turning BBQ Rubs Into a Real Business
24:43 – Cooking for the Backyard, Not the Showroom
26:14 – The Power of the BBQ Community
29:40 – What’s Next for Grillin With Dad
31:21 – Brand Deals That Actually Work
37:39 – Building a Business With Your Spouse
41:26 – When Your Dog Gets a Brand Deal
44:45 – Getting Recognized in Real Life
46:22 – Why Grillin With Dad Runs Two Websites
54:25 – What’s Next at the Grill

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrillinWithDad
Recipe Website: https://grillinwithdad.com/
Shopify Website: https://shopgwd.com/

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#podcast #barbecue #grilling #pitmaster  

Join Duce Raymond as he sits down with legendary author, TV host, and global grilling authority Stephen Raichlen for one of the most insightful BBQ conversations ever on The Duce Raymond Podcast. Stephen breaks down the real process behind writing bestselling cookbooks like The Barbecue! Bible, how traveling to 75 countries shaped his approach, and why today’s publishers want strong platforms and tight, high-impact recipe collections. Duce and Stephen dive into the evolution of barbecue—from Texas traditions to fusion flavors to the rise of a new generation of pitmasters—and explore why each era needs its own voice in BBQ storytelling. Stephen shares his best writing advice, the future of cookbooks, and why he’s committed to supporting new creators in the BBQ community. He also teases major projects, including the return of Barbecue University at a stunning California ranch and a new documentary on the history of barbecue. Whether you're a pitmaster, food lover, or aspiring cookbook author, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of barbecue’s most influential figures. Watch the full episode and join the conversation.

00:00 - The Origins of Cooking
1:36 - How Stephen Raichlen Discovered Barbecue
3:08 - The Culinary Process Behind Babi Guling
5:42 - Japanese Griddling, Indonesian Flavors & 75 Countries of BBQ
8:15 - Inside Project Griddle
12:47 - The Grill Collection
16:38 - The Pros and Cons of Modern Cooking Innovations
18:00 - BBQ Content in the TikTok Era
21:39 - Are Cookbooks Dead?
23:33 - The Truth About Writing a Cookbook
31:12 - The Evolution of Barbecue
33:11 - Mentorship, Storytelling, and Amplifying New Voices
35:53 - At The Heart of BBQ

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-raichlen-a9386710/v
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stevenraichlenofficial
Website: https://barbecuebible.com/

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#bbq #smoker #podcast 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Jared Robertson, President of Southern Pride, the legendary family-owned company that revolutionized the barbecue industry with its fully automatic, wood-burning, gas-fired, and electric smokers. From the brand’s origins in the 1970s to today’s state-of-the-art designs, Jared shares how Southern Pride continues to lead the way in precision engineering, consistency, and durability for pitmasters and restaurant owners worldwide. Duce and Jared dive deep into the evolution of barbecue technology, the launch of new models like the SRG 400 and SRG 800, the comeback of the SC 100, and the development of the massive SPK 1400 and 2000-pound smokers used by top operations around the country. They also talk craftsmanship, innovation, and the future of commercial barbecue equipment — all while highlighting what makes Southern Pride a trusted name in professional BBQ. Whether you’re a pitmaster, restaurant owner, or true barbecue enthusiast, this episode gives an inside look at the machines, minds, and passion behind some of the best barbecue in the world.

00:00 – The Southern Pride Story Begins
3:30 – The Robertson Legacy
10:27 –  Building the Cadillac of Smokers
19:03 – Why Southern Pride Smokers Last
23:35 – The Smoker That Gave Pitmasters Their Life Back
31:09 – Why The MLR-150 Turned Heads On The BBQ Circuit
33:16 – Why Old-School BBQ Doesn’t Work Today
37:26 – How Caterers Can Boost Profits
43:43 – The Hard Lessons Of Leading A Family-Run Company
56:39 – The Wild Journey Of Southern Pride’s Move
1:00:16 – How Ole Hickory Took Inspiration From Southern Pride
1:05:23 – How Southern Pride Uses Million-Dollar Amada Lasers
1:10:10 – What Smoker You Should Buy
1:13:22 – What’s New at Southern Pride
1:23:43 – Wrapping It Up

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SouthernPrideBBQ
Website: https://www.southernpride.com/

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#bbqcompetition #bbq #podcast 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with pitmaster Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ to talk about his rise from wrestling coach to barbecue champion, seasoned pitmaster, and BBQ educator. They dive into Richard’s journey on the competition circuit, the lessons he’s learned from years of perfecting Kansas City–style barbecue, and what it takes to stay passionate in an ever-changing food world. From starting Fergolicious BBQ to appearing on national TV, Richard shares real insights on branding, business, and the art of authentic barbecue. If you love smoked meat, competition BBQ, or stories of turning passion into purpose, this episode is packed with fire, flavor, and inspiration.

00:00 – From Wrestling Coach to Pitmaster
5:23 – Inside the BBQ Competition World
12:14 – How BBQ Pitmasters Changed Everything
18:11 – Inside the World’s Biggest BBQ Competition
28:27 – Is Competition BBQ Dying Out?
34:05 – The Truth About Teaching BBQ Classes
40:55 – Pellet Grills vs. Offset Smokers
46:51 – Why Offset Cooking Still Reigns 
49:21 – The Ultimate Backyard BBQ Setup 
51:26 – The Power of BBQ Content
57:21 – Richard's Life on the Road
59:32 – Why Pitmasters Are Skipping the American Royal
1:03:00 – How to Handle Pressure in BBQ Competitions
1:07:13 – Richard’s Step-by-Step Guide to Competition Brisket
1:10:51 – What’s Next for Fergolicious BBQ

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Website: https://www.fergoliciousbbq.com/

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#podcast #foodnetwork #pizza #italianfood

On this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Chicago’s own Jeff Mauro—the Food Network Star Season 7 winner, Emmy-nominated host of Sandwich King, and longtime co-host of The Kitchen—to dive deep into his journey from catering and comedy to TV stardom and building Mauro Provisions. Jeff opens up about growing up in a big Italian-American family, the hustle it took to break into Food Network, and what it really means to run restaurants like a true business. From the lessons learned through failure and the importance of strong business partners, to creating Mauro Provisions and shipping Chicago staples like Italian beef, giardiniera, and craft rubs nationwide, Jeff shares raw insights into entrepreneurship, food, and family. If you’re a fan of Food Network, sandwiches, Chicago food culture, or simply want to hear an inspiring behind-the-scenes story of passion, discipline, and perseverance, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and a few heartfelt moments you won’t forget.

00:00 – Sandwich King Origins & Chicago Roots
5:55 – Pizza, Johnny’s Beef & Growing Up Italian
19:35 – From Taste of Chicago to Food Network Star
27:12 – Jeff Mauro’s Path to Becoming a Chef
36:24 – Reaction to Guy Fieri being on Joe Rogan’s Podcast
40:18 – Inside Food Network Star
45:31 – Life After Winning Food Network Star
51:29 – Why TV Chefs Still Have Lasting Power
59:40 – Behind the Scenes of The Kitchen
1:06:06 – The Rise & Fall of Pork and Mindy’s
1:14:47 – Why Partnerships Matter in Restaurants
1:16:25 – Jeff Mauro Explains Mauro Provisions
1:29:03 – Closing Thoughts

Follow Jeff Mauro on Social: 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealJeffMauro \
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Mauro Provisions: https://mauroprovisions.com/ 
Podcast: https://comeonover.com/ 

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#podcast #food #cheflife 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Chef Eric to dive deep into the world of barbecue, leadership, and life behind the pit. From honoring Anthony Bourdain’s storytelling legacy and unpacking the evolution of kitchen culture, to exploring how leadership styles have shifted across generations, this conversation blends raw honesty with hard-earned wisdom. Eric shares lessons from his Hilton “Working with Millennials” training and the importance of adapting leadership to fit individuals, while Duce reflects on his father’s tough kitchen style versus his own approach to leading with respect. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that no one is alone in their struggles, and that through honesty, grit, and positivity, we can leave behind a lasting impact for the next generation. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast, a pitmaster in training, or someone seeking inspiration and leadership lessons, this conversation is packed with value, brotherhood, and real talk straight from the heart of the barbecue world.

00:00 – From Mickey Mouse Cookbook to Master Chef
2:13 – Catering Secrets from the King of Catersource
5:14 – How Eric Beat Cancer & Transformed His Health
7:59 – Why Average Is Never Enough
8:47 – Chef Eric’s Wellness Journey
12:03 – Why Risotto Is the Ultimate Chef’s Canvas
14:43 – Food, Life, and Lessons from Writing Cookbooks
17:00 – Start Small, Stay Consistent, Keep Growing
18:43 – Running the NYC Marathon, Loss, and Living with Purpose
24:33 – Never Meet Your Heroes
27:55 – The Power of Books & Presence
29:47 – Finding Purpose & Facing Mental Health
32:25 – Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
36:18 – Love First, Everything Else Second
45:13 – The War Stories of Catering
53:29 – Running Multiple Concepts
56:13 – Time, Teams & Tough Choices
58:53 – Building Duce’s Wild
1:00:34 – Stop Playing Checkers, Start Playing Chess
1:06:03 – Lessons in Failure & Fuel
1:10:54 – Gary Vee, Storytelling & Real Partnership
1:16:33 – Bourdain, Kitchen Culture & Generational Shifts
1:20:12 – Learning to Lead Millennials (and Beyond)
1:23:23 – You’re Not Alone

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Website: https://www.chefericl.com/

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#honey #podcast #food #tacobell #kfc #burtsbees

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Mike’s Hot Honey, from its small-town beginnings to becoming a $40M brand shaking up the condiment aisle. Mike shares how he overcame challenges scaling production, landed major grocery store placements, and sparked a viral pizza drizzle trend that took the food world by storm. Hear about the brand’s epic collaborations with big names like  @TacoBell and  @burtsbees , and get insider tips on building a strong team, launching fast, and growing a business with passion and perseverance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or foodie, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world lessons to help you level up your hustle.

00:00 – The Birth of Mike’s Hot Honey
03:06 – Small-Town Roots Spark Sweet & Spicy Idea
04:43 – Starting a Condiment Legacy
06:13 – Brazil Trip Ignites Hot Honey Revolution
16:26 – From Kitchen Bottles to Honey Powerhouse
19:06 – Finding the Perfect Co-Packer
25:03 – Getting Hot Honey into  @wholefoods  
29:58 – Building a Sales Team 
34:32 – The Pizza Drizzle Phenomenon
36:12 – Taco Bell, KFC & Hot Honey Magic
40:05 – How Hot Honey Partners Work
43:28 – New Products & Burt’s Bees Collab
46:05 – New Merch, Drinks & Even Halloween Costumes!
47:26 – The Brand’s Signature Color Story
48:47 – Focused Core & Going Global
51:26 – Duce’s Wild x Mike’s Hot Honey
52:22 – Sweet Baby Ray’s vs. Hot Honey 
53:50 – Fastest Growing Honey Brand
54:52 – Launch Fast, Iterate Faster
56:26 – Push Through Fear & Doubt
58:15 – Building a Winning Team
59:56 – Gratitude & Future Collabs

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Website: https://mikeshothoney.com/

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#nfl #foodnetwork #podcast #pitmaster #bbq #foodie 

From the NFL to the Food Network, Chef Eddie Jackson has lived one incredible journey—and he’s not done yet. In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Eddie opens up about his transition from professional football to culinary television, launching a wellness shot product line, and owning multiple food truck brands including Eddie’s Burgers and Rose Hill Tacos. He shares how his father shaped his commitment to fitness, the importance of balance in food and life, and the legacy he wants to leave for his kids. Eddie also talks about what it's really like working with Bobby Flay, how he got on MasterChef and Food Network Star, and why jerk chicken holds a special place in his heart. Whether you’re a foodie, entrepreneur, or someone chasing your dream, this conversation delivers motivation, behind-the-scenes insight, and barbecue wisdom.

00:00 – Eddie Jackson Joins the Show
3:03 – How Scent Triggers Food Memories
6:28 – From Undrafted to the NFL
10:34 – Inside the 16-0 Patriots Season
13:10 – Finding Purpose Beyond the Game
16:15 – Signed Up for MasterChef Without Knowing?! 
20:20 – From MasterChef to Food Network Star 
23:53 – Launching BBQ Blitz
25:52 – Behind the Scenes of TV Food Shows 
27:03 – What Eddie’s Cooking Up Now on the Food Network
31:22 – Eddie on Training, Eating, and Balance
36:59 – Building Texas’ Biggest Beer Garden (Then Selling It!)
39:29 – The Secret to Perfect Jerk Chicken (Straight from Jamaica)
43:21 – Eddie on Legacy, Fatherhood, and Giving His All in Everything
45:35 – From NFL to Food Network to Family: Eddie’s True “Why”
46:58 – BBQ Brotherhood: Duce & Eddie Make a Pact for Future Openings

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Website: https://chefeddiejackson.com/
Eddie's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Day-Eats-Recipes-Homegating-Like/dp/0062870831/ref=asc_df_0062870831?mcid=a18ca925e48e34fd84b350852c6ee839&hvocijid=3906918519581006508-0062870831-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3906918519581006508&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9221531&hvtargid=pla-2281435177898&psc=1

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#bbq #podcast #pitmaster 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Tony Ramirez of TFTI BBQ to dive into his meteoric rise in the BBQ world—from viral salmon videos to launching his own rub line and announcing his first cookbook. They explore what it’s like becoming recognizable online, building relationships with major brands like Miller Lite and Royal Oak, and turning a passion for backyard cooking into a full-time career. Tony opens up about the emotional story behind his book, the influence of his late mother, and his plans to move to Texas to grow his brand. The two talk shop on creating content for YouTube vs. short-form, attending epic BBQ events like the Texas Open Fire Meetup and Smoke Slam, and the importance of community over competition in the BBQ scene. They also share stories about family, legacy, and Duce’s upcoming BBQ brand and restaurant, Duce’s Wild, born out of the Sweet Baby Ray’s legacy. Whether you’re a BBQ fan, content creator, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to grow a brand that stays true to its roots.

00:00 - How TFTI BBQ Got Started
5:57 - The Flavors That Raised Tony Ramirez
8:13 - What Filipino BBQ Means to Me
11:17 - When BBQ Content Became a Career
14:09 - When Backyard BBQ Turned Into Fame
19:49 - The Journey Behind Tony’s Cookbook
27:14 -  Inside the Texas Open Fire Meetup
32:47 - How TFTI BBQ Built Strategic Partnerships
36:33 - Tony’s Cajun Honey Rub
38:27 - Why Every BBQ Creator Needs a Website 
40:57 - Why YouTube Is a Beast
45:18 - Why Texas Is the Capital of BBQ
49:11 - BTS of the 49ers BBQ Party
52:52 - The Origin of Sweet Baby Ray’s
58:02 - Wrapping Up with Tony

Follow Tony Ramirez on Social: 
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tfti.bbq 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5dl6yLxCrBWKuSjaUNFUDA 
Website: https://tftibbq.com/
Tony’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-BBQ-TFTI-Filipino-Inspired/dp/0760394520/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?tag=lnk0001-20&_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i1PYKT3u_To5MDHxrIStvw.ndItns9FZAF2bZ5msULMng31EZdTw82S_tEq7Z8eliI&qid=1723652728&sr=1-1&geniuslink=true  

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